Bowling ball carrying case



July 19, 1960 P. ABRAHAM ETAI- BOWLING BALL CARRYING CASE Filed March 24; v1959 INVENTORS JQMZ azajawzazkz Patented July 19, 1960 United States Patent Ofice BOWLING BALL CARRYING CASE Paul Abraham, 1345 W. Thorndale, and Romain Metzger,

This invention relates to carrying cases, and more particularly to a case for carrying a bowling ball.

The invention comprehends a novel two-piece hinged case having integral support means for cradling a bowling ball and for elevating the ball when the case is opened.

The vast majority of the conventional bowling ball cases in current use are of the bag or satchel type constructed with. a rigid floor having side and end walls upstanding therefrom and interconnected at their upper edges by a slide fastener which describes an arcuate path. In this type of case the ball is dropped in from the top and is free to roll around on the floor of the case. When it is necessary to extract the ball from the case one must reach down, locate the ball and then lift the ball out of the case while at the same time spreading the side walls.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved bowling ball carrying case having integral means to cradle the ball and raise it automatically when the case is opened.

Another object of the invention is to provide a twopiece hinged semi-rigid carrying case which may be easily opened to provide free access to the ball as well as to a pair of bowling shoes carried in the case.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of a two-piece hinged bowling ball carrying case, wherein the floors of the respective sections of the case have projecting therefrom, in a scissor-like manner, opposed pairs of overlapping arms which engage and cradle the ball and elevate it when the case is opened.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from an examination of the following description and drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary end elevational view of a bowling ball carrying case embodying features of theinvention, with one end of the case removed and pontions of the structure shown in vertical section;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but with the case shown in an open position;

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the structure illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view, in top plan, of a portion of the structure illustrated in Figure 4, and

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a mo'dified form of our invention.

It will be understood that certain elements have been intentionally omitted from certain views where they are illustrated to better advantage in other views.

Referring now to the drawings, it will be seen that the novel bowling ball carrying case embodying features of the invention comprises a pair of identical hollow sections, indicated generally at 10, which are joined by a hinge means 12, to form a complete case or housing for containing a bowling ball shown in phantom line at 14.

- As best seen in Figures 1 and 3, each section comprises generally horizontal top and bottom walls 16 and 18, respectively, and a generally vertical side wall 20 which are interconnected by a pair of generally vertical end walls 22 to form a pocket 24 open toward the side of the case opposite the side closed by wall 20. The top, bottom, side, and end walls are preferably integrally formed in the preferred embodiment of the invention, as each section is preferably formed of a polyethylene type of plastic material which has been injection molded. It will be understood that the particular shape or contour of the top, side, and end walls of each section is not essential to the invention, and can be modified as desired. Also, the walls and corners of each section may be provided with additional integrally formed ribs or webs, not shown, to afiord additional rigidity and support.

The sections 10, as best seen in Figure 1, are disposed adjacent each other back to back with the open sides of the pockets 24 facing each other so that when the case is closed the pockets 24 merge to form a single compartment 26 for receiving the bowling ball, and the free edges of the top, bottom, and side walls of the respective sections abut each other, with the corresponding walls being co-planar.

The top walls 16 of the respective sections may be provided with any desired type of handles 28 to afford a means of carrying the case. Also the end walls of the respective sections may be interconnected, a pair of selflocking latches 30 which are operable to maintain the case in a predetermined open position, as seen in Figure 2, until manually released when it is desired to close the case. Also, the side wall 20 of each section may be provided with a pair of integrally formed transversely spaced shelves 32 located near the top of the side walls which serve as shelves for retaining a pair of bowling shoes 33, one of the shoes being carried by each section.

New referring particularly to Figures 2 through 5, it will be seen that the bottom wall 18 of each section includes a pair of elongated inner and outer arms 34i and 340, respectively, having their corresponding sides spaced longitudinally of the case from each other a distance somewhat less than the diameter of a standard bowling ball. The arms of each section are preferably formed integrally with or rigidly secured to the upper side of the bottom wall 18 with their free ends extending over and parallel to the bottom wall 18 of the opposite section, when the case is closed, toward the side wall 20 of the opposite section. Each pair of arms is offset relative to the other pair of arms so that the arms of one pair are disposed immediately adjacent corresponding sides of the arms of the other pair. Thus, one arm of each pair is disposed between the arms of the other pair and inwardly adjacent one arm of the other pair, while the other arm of each pair is disposed without the other pair and outwardly adjacent the other arm of the other pair.

As seen in Figure 5, the arms of each pair are coplanar with the arms of the other pair when the case is closed; while, as seen in Figure 2, the arms of each pair diverge upwardly from the other pair, when the case is open, to form with the arms of the other pair a cradle" 40 for supporting the ball. It will be understood that the wider the case is opened, the more acute will be the angle formed by the divergent pairs of arms. Hence, as this angle decreases the ball disposed in the cradle will be elevated from the position-shown in Figure 1 to the position shown in Figure 2.

In order to maintain the ball in proper position within the cradle at all times, the upper surfaces of the free or J related portions of the ball therein.

to receive When the case is closed the ball is disposed partially within cavities 42a so that the raised portions or shoulders 42b of the arms 341' will serve to limit rolling movement of the ball transversely of the case. -Also, when the ball is in the cavities 42a, with the case closed, a portion of the ball, as best seen in Figure 4, will be disposed below the inwardly facing vertical surfaces 44 of the outer arms 340 so that the arms 340 will serve to limit rolling movement of the ball longitudinally of the case. Additionally, if desired, each side wall 20 may be provided with a pair of integrally formed, longitudinally spaced vertical ribs or webs 48 which will engage related portions of the ball when the case is closed to confine the ball therebetween and absolutely prevent its movement longitudinally of the case.

When the case is open, as seen in Figure 2, the ball will be cradled between the inner arms 341' and longitudinal movement of the ball out of the cradle will be prevented by the engagement of the ball with vertical surfaces 44 of the respective outer arms 340 which are disposed adjacent opposite sides of the ball, as best seen in Figure 5. In as much as only the inner sides 44 of outer arms 340 will actually engage the ball it is not necessary to provide outer arms 340 with any special contour.

It will be understood, also, that only the inner arms 341' actually support and elevate the ball, and that outer arms 340 merely serve to restrict movement of the ball longitudinally of the case. Therefore, if desired, the outer arms 340 may be eliminated and the inner arms 34i may be provided at their outer edges with upstanding vertical flanges 46, as best seen in Figure 6, which serve to limit movement of the ball longitudinally of the case.

In operation it will be understood that as the handles 28 of the respective sections are pulled in opposite directions the case is opened and the ball is raised by the arms 341' to the position shown in Figure 2. When the case is opened a predetermined degree the latches 30 will automatically lock the case open and retain the ball in an elevated position.

To close the case the latches 34) may be depressed manually to permit the sections to move together; as the weight of the ball in the cradle urges the arms 341' to the horizontal position, shown in Figure 1, they assume when the case is closed.

If desired the top walls 16 of the respective sections may be provided with a lock mechanism to prevent the case from accidentally opening.

We claim:

1. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of complementary hollow mating sections each comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall joined by a pair of end walls to form an enclosure open on one side, said sections being disposed with the open sides of their enclosures facing each other to form a single compartment where the case is closed; hinge means interconnecting adjacent edges of the bottom walls of respective sections; the bottom walls of the sections being co-planer when the case is closed and converging upwardly toward the center of the case when the case is open; a pair of elongated arms rigidly secured to the upper surface of the bottom wall of one section, said arms being spaced from each other and having free ends extending parallel over the upper surface of the bottom wall of the other section toward the side wall of said other section; another pair of similar arms rigidly secured to the upper surface of the bottom wall of said other section and having free ends extending parallel over the upper surface of said one section toward the side wall of said one section; the ends of the arms of one section being disposed immediately adjacent corresponding sides of the ends of the arms of the other section and being co-planer therewith when the case is closed and diverging upwardly therefrom from the center of the case in a scissor-like manner when the case is open to form a cradle therewith for, supporting and elevating a bowling ball disposed thereon; handle means on the top walls of the sections; and self-locking latch means interconnecting the end walls of the sections operable to maintain the case in a predetermined open position so that the ball will be supported on said cradle in an elevated position.

2. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of complementary hollow mating sections each comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall joined by a pair of end walls to form an enclosure open on one side, said sections being disposed with the open sides of their enclosures facing each other to form a single compartment when the case is closed; hinge means interconnecting adjacent edges of the bottom walls of respective sections so that the bottom walls are co-planer when the case is closed and converge upwardly toward said hinge means when the case is open; the bottom wall of each section having a pair of parallel arms spaced longitudinally of the case from each other and extending over the bottom wall of the opposite section toward the side wall of said opposite section, the arms of each pair being disposed immediately adjacent corresponding sides of respective arms of the other pair and being co-planer therewith when the case is closed and diverging upwardly therefrom when the case is open to form therewith a cradle for supporting a bowling ball and for elevating the ball when the case is opened; handle means secured to the top walls; and self-locking latch means interconnecting the end walls of the respective sections to maintain the case in a predetermined open position.

3. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of hollow mating sections each having top, bottom, side, and end walls defining an enclosure open toward the other section; hinge means interconnecting adjacent edges of the bottom walls of respective sections so the sections can be swung toward each other to close the case and away from each other to open the case with the bottom walls being co-planer when the case is closed and converging upwardly toward the hinge means when the case is open; the bottom wall of each section having extending therefrom toward the other section a pair of parallel arms spaced longitudinally of the case from each other, the arms of each pair being disposed immediately adjacent corresponding sides of the arms of the other pair and being co-planer therewith when the case is closed and diverging upwardly therefrom when the case is open to form therewith a cradle for supporting a bowling ball and for elevating the ball as the case is opened; and selflocking latch means interconnecting the end walls of the respective sections to maintain the case in a predetermined open position.

4. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of hollow mating sections each having a plurality of walls including a bottom wall, defining therebetween an enclosure open toward the other section; hinge means interconnecting the bottom walls of respective sections so the sections can be moved toward or away from each other to close or open the case with the bottom walls being co-planer when the case is closed and converging upwardly when the case is open; each bottom wall having extending over the other a pair of spaced parallel arms, the arms of each pair being disposed immediately adjacent corresponding sides of the other pair and being coplaner therewith when the case is closed and diverging upwardly therefrom when the case is open to form therewith a cradle for supporting a bowling ball and for elevating the ball as the case is opened; and means interconnecting the sections operable to maintain the case in a predetermined open position.

5. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of hollow mating sections each having a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall, defining an enclosure open toward the other section; hinge means interconnecting the bottom walls so the sections can be moved toward or away from each other to close or open the case; the bottom. wall of each section having extending therefrom into the enclosure of the other section a pair of spaced parallel arms, the arms of each pair being disposed adjacent corresponding sides of the arms of the other pair and being generally co-planer therewith when the case is closed and diverging upwardly therefrom when the case is open to form therewith a cradle for supporting a bowling ball and for elevating the ball as the case is opened; and means interconnecting the sections operable to maintain the case in a predetermined open position.

6. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of hollow mating sections each having a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall, defining an enclosure open toward the other section; hinge means interconnecting the bottom walls so the sections can be moved relative to each other to close or open the case; the bottom wall of each section having extending therefrom into the enclosure of the other section a pair of spaced parallel arms, the arms of each pair being disposed adjacent corresponding sides of the other pair and being co-planer therewith when the case is closed and diverging upwardly therefrom when the case is open to form therewith a cradle for holding a bowling ball and elevating the ball as the case is opened; and means for maintaining the case in a predetermined open position.

7. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of: a pair of hollow mating sections each having a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall, defining an enclosure open toward the other section; hinge means interconnecting the bottom walls so that the sections are relatively movable to close or open the case; the bottom wall of each section having secured thereto at least one arm subsubstantially co-planar with the arm of the bottom wall of the other section when the case is closed and having a terminal portion extending beyond the hinge means and beyond a terminal portion of the arm of the bottom wall of the other section and diverging upwardly therefrom when the case is open to form therewith a cradle for holding a bowling ball.

8. In a bowling ball carrying case, the combination of:

a pair of hollow mating sections each defining an enclosure open toward the other section; hinge means pivotally interconnecting adjacent lower portions of the respective sections so that the sections are relatively movable to open or close the case; ball supporting means secured to lower portions of respective sections, said supporting means each having terminal portions which are substantially co-planar with each other when the case is closed, and which extend beyond the hinge means and beyond each other and which diverge upwardly from each other when the case is open to form a cradle for supporting the ball.

9. A bowling ball carrying case according to claim 8, wherein each supporting means includes an arm extending toward the other section and diverging upwardly therefrom as the case is opened to form a cradle therewith.

10. A bowling ball carrying case according to claim 9, wherein the upper surface of each arm is recessed to atford stability for the ball received therein.

11. A bowling ball carrying case according to claim 8, and including means for restricting movement of the ball in a direction longitudinally of the case.

12. A bowling ball carrying case according to claim 11, wherein said means includes longitudinally spaced vertical ribs projecting inwardly from the sides of the sections for engagement with opposite sides of the ball.

13. A bowling ball carrying case according to claim 11, wherein said means includes vertical flanges extending upwardly from said arms for engagement with opposite sides of the ball.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,262,472 Sloan Nov. 11, 1941 2,872,029 Cart Feb. 3, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 656,952 Germany Feb. 18, 1938 

